Flight Lieutenant (Air Gunner) John Barritt,

166 Squadron, Royal Air Force.

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in the Supplement to the London Gazette of 16 February 1945.

Killed in action on 21 February 1945.

Aged 33, the son of Edward and Annie Barritt of 23 Montague Road and was the husband of Muriel Barritt, (the daughter of Charles Henry Wilson) who he married at St Peter's Church in December 1942. They lived at 80 Peart Street, Burnley, Lancashire.

John was educated at St Peter's School and Burnley Grammar School. He attended St Peter's Church and was employed as a commercial traveler for Bordon's Malted Milk Manufacturers and was associated with the Garrick Club. He joined the R.A.F., in May 1940 and was commissioned in June 1942

John was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross a few days before he was killed for 54 operational flights and his work as Gunnery Leader of 166 Squadron. John died with the other 6 members of the crew of Lancaster PA 179 on an operation against Dortmund which took off from RAF Kirmington at 21.45.

His wife and brother, Major A.P. Barritt attended the investiture at Buckingham Palace to receive his D.F.C from the King in October 1946.

Buried with the other members of his crew in Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

The Burnley Express of 21 February 1945 p4 reported that:

AWARDED D.F.C.

Flight-Lieut. John Barritt, R.A.F.V.R., son of Mrs Barritt and the late Mr. W. E. Barritt, of 23, Montague Road, Burnley, whose wife lives at 80, Peart Street, has been awarded the D.F.C. Flight-Lieut. Barritt volunteered for the Air Forces in May, 1940, and was commissioned in June 1942. He is entitled to the 1939-43 Star. An old boy of the Burnley Grammar School, he was employed as a commercial traveller by Bordon's malted milk manufacturers. He is connected with St. Peter's Church. His brother, Mayor A. P. Barritt holds his commission in the Royal Ordnance Corps.

"We will remember them"